Technological advancement has significantly transformed the healthcare industry over the years. Technology is revolutionizing many industries, making life easier for everyone. Many new tools and techniques are being introduced into the healthcare industry, and it is essential for nursing assistants to understand these changes.
Nursing assistants are the foundation of healthcare, as they play a vital role in providing care to patients. With technological advancement, the duties of nursing assistants have increased, and it is crucial for these professionals to keep up with these changes.
Fortunately, CNA exams help prepare individuals for some of these changes. It can be pretty challenging to pass the CNA exam, but adequate preparation and in-depth study can help you succeed in one go. You can take a CNA practice test online to test your knowledge before taking the actual exam.
Why Nursing Assistants Should Understand the Technological Advancements
Nursing assistants need to keep up with the changing world. Technology is developing fast, so they need to use it to their advantage. Knowing the importance of technological advances in the medical field can help nursing assistants to provide the best care for their patients.
As a certified nursing assistant, here are the importance of understanding technological advancement that you need to know:
Improved Patient Care
Technological advancement has radically changed patient care. Nursing assistants must understand these changes in technology to provide the best quality care for their patients. Nowadays, many healthcare facilities no longer use paper-based records, as they have been replaced by electronic health records (EHRs).
- Electronic health records contain detailed information about patients, including lab results, medical history, and treatment plans.
The advancement in this field makes these details easy and quick to access. With this information, nursing assistants can make informed decisions about their patients, leading to better health outcomes.
Nursing assistance is all about caring for patients and improving their health. Certified nursing assistants need to learn about these new tools to improve care. Interestingly, many people learn about these new developments while preparing for the CNA exam. Aspiring nursing assistants can take up a CNA practice test online to check how prepared they are for the exam. They can also find free CNA practice tests with answers online.
Increased Efficiency
Nursing assistants need to learn and understand technological advancement because it helps increase the efficiency of healthcare delivery. The popularity of telehealth has increased enormously, and it is important for nursing assistants to learn how to use this technology to provide care for their patients remotely.
- With telehealth, nursing assistants can connect with patients without having to be there with them. This technology is highly essential in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
- Telehealth allows nursing assistants to care for more patients in less time, resulting in increased efficiency.
Enhanced Record Keeping
Record keeping is one aspect of healthcare that technological advancement has improved significantly. Many healthcare centers no longer use paper-based medication administration records; they have been replaced by electronic medication administration records (eMARS).
- It is essential for nursing assistants to know how to use electronic medication administration records to the administration medicine correctly.
This technology helps nursing assistants know when a patient misses a dose and ensure they receive the appropriate medication at the right time.
Increased Safety
Increased safety in the healthcare industry is another benefit of technological advancement. Nursing assistants need to learn and adapt to technological advancements to keep patients safe while taking care of them. Barcoding systems have helped prevent medication errors.
- Nursing assistants should learn how to use barcoding systems to ensure the right patient is given the appropriate medication.
This technological advancement also helps nursing assistants identify potential medication interactions, reducing the chances of adverse drug reactions.
Improved Communication
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Excellent communication skills are a must-have for nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals. Technological advancement has enhanced communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Patients can communicate with healthcare providers and access their health information through patient portals. The portals also allow them to book appointments online.
- Nursing assistants must learn how to use these portals to access patients’ health information and communicate with them.
- Patient Portals help improve communication between patients and nursing assistants, resulting in better health outcomes.
Increased Patient Engagement
Advancement in technology also improves patient engagement in healthcare. Wearable gadgets make it easy and quick for patients to communicate with their healthcare providers and monitor their health.
- As a nursing assistant, it is essential to learn how to use these wearable gadgets to communicate with your patients and monitor their health.
These devices allow nursing assistants to help patients play a crucial role in their healthcare, resulting in improved health outcomes.
Career Advancement
Understanding the improvements in technology in the healthcare industry can also result in career advancement for nursing assistants. As technology continues to revolutionize the healthcare industry, there will be high demand for nursing assistants who are skilled and knowledgeable about the latest technologies.
- Nursing assistants who know how to use new technologies can take on extra responsibilities, like teaching other healthcare providers how to leverage these new technologies.
How Nursing Assistants Can Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Technologies
Here are some ways nursing assistants can stay up-to-date with the latest technologies in their field:
- Attend Conferences and Workshops: Nursing assistants should attend workshops and conferences to learn about the latest technologies in their field. They can connect with other healthcare providers and learn from professionals in their field.
- Read Healthcare Publications: They can also read healthcare publications to stay up-to-date with the latest technological development in the healthcare industry. Publications, such as nursing journals, provide valuable insights into best practices, new technologies, and emerging trends in healthcare.
- Use Online Resources: The internet is your best friend when it comes to learning things. Just like many nursing assistants leverage CNA practice test online to check their knowledge before taking the CNA exam, you can also use online resources to learn about the latest inventions in the industry. Online courses, podcasts, and webinars can help nursing assistants learn about new techs in healthcare.
Conclusion
Technological advancement has significantly enhanced the healthcare space. It has brought many positive changes to improve the way healthcare providers interact with, treat, and attend to patients. Nursing assistants must stay up-to-date with these new changes, as they help make their job easier and more productive.
